2. amps-preamps
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300b amps bettering the midrange of the Cary 300b

I'm shortly going to be getting a Cary 300b amp and will try to buy a few other 300b amps later to compare them and eventual settle down with one.

I previously owned the Cary CAD-300bse monos and the midrange was spellbinding, very liquid and three dimensional (especially with the Western Electrics). The bass and highs were okay but with my set up I can compensate. This was a first generation model which will be the same again using a just single 6sl7 driver (I don't know if the sound changed for better or worse in the various sig versions). I have tried some other 300b amps and the midrange was more hi-fi like.

Anyways just wondering if anyone who has had the Carys has found other 300b amps that have equaled it or bettered in providing that midrange magic (even though some may consider this sound as being colored).

frankk
jburidan
803 posts
 
Wavelength Cardinal
jsman
246 posts
 
I also think that the Sophia is hard to beat.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Have any of the posters who are recommending a 300b amp heard the Cary CAD?
jsman
246 posts
 
To be honest I have not heard it, BTW a Cary amp was my first choice when I was looking at amps. I could not find what I wanted at the time I was looking and ran out of patience, also I read of couple of things that steered me away.
frankk OP
50 posts
 
Also wondering if from those that responded if they have compared it to the Cary's.

I find the Cary's to be one of those love/hate products that if one searches will find many despise them saying rolled off highs and poor bass and some say that they are purely magical. My own experience after three years of trying around fifteen amplifiers is that the midrange of the 90's Cary (modified with better parts and using Westerns) was unsurpassed.

I see the Sophias have been suggested by a few. I did not realize it was such a popularly sold amp. The Wavelength Cardinal suggestion hits home as it is amps that I have been thinking about for some time but seem to to sell very quickly here.

Anyways still wondering if the early 90's design Cary still stands up to the test of time and is a relative bargain for those like me seeking that magical midrange.

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